As parents, we devote so much time throughout the holiday season to helping our children discover a little bit of magic. Look around, and you’ll find us walking through light shows or snuggling up to watch a classic Christmas movie. While there are countless ways to make this season feel a little extra wonderful, there is one cornerstone event that will really define this time: a visit to meet Santa. Luckily, we have some pretty great spots around the city dedicated to making the journey as unforgettable as possible! As a Montana family photographer, I love working with my clients to plan sessions that celebrate each and every season. Here are the best spots to meet Santa in Hamilton, MT!
Downtown Hamilton, Montana
If you need the very best way to get into the holiday spirit, Christmas in Hamilton is your spot! This yearly event happens on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. All of the shops will open in the morning, giving you the perfect way to shop local while buying gifts for all of your friends and family. As the sun starts to set, the city hosts carriage rides, live entertainment, and a gingerbread decorating contest. Santa will be on site from the official start of this event, taking pictures with all the Hamilton, MT kids who stop by his workshop. He will take a break so he can help out with the tree lighting, and then he will come back out for some more photo ops!

205 Bedford St, Hamilton, Montana 59840
Ravalli County Museum and Historical Society spends their holiday season revisiting the traditions of the past! The group hosts year-round events at the museum that let you learn all about the history of Hamilton. Throughout the middle of December, they host a Victorian Christmas where you can put on your finest old-timey garbs and experience what it would have been like to celebrate the season nearly a century and a half ago. Then on Saturday, they bring in Santa and give Hamilton, MT kids the chance to meet him. He will be there for three hours before he makes his way back to the North Pole.

251 Eastside Highway, Hamilton, Montana 59840
Community Christmas at Festival of Trees is an annual tradition that takes place at the Daly Mansion. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the estate hosts a Christmas party where you can decorate cookies, make crafts, and sing along with carolers. Right around noon, Santa will make his grand appearance alongside his elves at the Hamilton, MT mansion. Your child can come say hi, snap some pictures, and give him their Christmas lists. This event is available for free!
If you are looking for the best way to meet Santa in Hamilton, MT this year, be sure to check out these fabulous events! With all of these places, you can make the season a little brighter!
Are you looking for more ways to make memories with your little one before the holidays? Then be sure to check out my Santa experience! Each year, I work with families to plan studio sessions where they can get Christmas pictures with Santa Claus. I can also work with you to plan regular sessions throughout the other seasons so you can soak up every wonderful milestone. Send me a message today if you would like to learn more!